Yes some artists are professional or semi professional in that they derive some or all of their living from doing bookings based on their music and song, from folk song to guitar, fiddle or other instruments   and sing songs from folk and blues to country americana and folk rock ~ this is a choice they make and god love 'em for it

The other end are the amateurs who in many cases are just as good if not better than those mentioned above ~ often starting in folk club days and acting as the mainstay in those clubs ~ and honing their skills and repertoire as well as holding down full time jobs etc

It is really question of mind set, but the newcomers to the professional ranks are being given a fair go if they have the talents being sought

Folk clubs are diminishing for all sorts of reasons and concert clubs are holding their own and other venues are also booking both old and new acts

Ray